Optical fiber connector buildout system

(19)

(11)

EP 0 481 642 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	09.09.1992 Bulletin 1992/37

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	22.04.1992 Bulletin 1992/17

(21)	Application number: 91309161.7

(22)	Date of filing: 07.10.1991

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁵: G02B 6/36, G02B 6/38, G02B 6/44, G02B 6/26

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	DE DK ES FR GB IT

(30)

Priority:

16.10.1990 US 598497

(71)	Applicant: AT&T Corp.
	New York, NY 10013-2412 (US)

(72)	Inventor:
	Lampert, Norman Roger Norcross, Georgia 30092 (US)

(74)	Representative: Johnston, Kenneth Graham et al
	AT&T (UK) LTD. AT&T Intellectual Property Division 5 Mornington Road Woodford Green Essex, IG8 OTU Woodford Green Essex, IG8 OTU (GB)

(56)

References cited: :

(54)	Optical fiber connector buildout system

(57) A connector system (20) for interconnection of optical fiber ferrule connectors in optical wiring panels includes an array of buildout blocks (70,70) which are mounted in a panel (60). Each buildout block includes a tubular portion (76) having a keyway and provisions for receiving a buildout (100,150) which upon suitable alignment and rotation relative to the buildout block is caused to be secured to the buildout block. The buildout (100) which is adapted to receive an ST® connector includes a first tubular portion (103) in which is disposed a sleeve (107) for receiving a plug (40) of a plug assembly (22) of the connector system in one end thereof which has been inserted into the tubular portion of the buildout block with a key (43) thereof received in the keyway (78) of the tubular portion of the buildout block. Also, the sleeve is capable of having an attenuator element (140) mounted therein. In another end of the buildout, a plug (40,182) of another plug assembly is secured to a second tubular portion (102) of the buildout to allow an optical connection between fibers terminated by the plugs to be made. The plug which is secured to the second tubular portion of the buildout (150) may be that of an FC connector. Advantageously, the buildouts which represent a substantial portion of the connection need not be installed until service is required. Further, the system is such that a choice of ferrule connectors is permitted with the same buildout block. Buildouts which have attenuator elements mounted therein and those which do not are interchangeable with each other without the need for special tools.

Search report